WEBINAR:

Clusters and distributed computing can operate in a number of ways. At one
end of the spectrum are full-time dedicated clusters. Alternatively, you can
get distributed power on the cheap if you set up a part-time cluster using
spare cycles on networked desktops.

Condor is suitable for all
types of clustering. It was originally developed for use on
non-dedicated desktop clusters. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is particularly well-suited to those. The
project aims to provide policies and mechanisms to support High Throughput
Computing on distributive resources.

Condor functions as a batch processing system, with a central server that accepts
and queues jobs, serving them out to compute nodes as appropriate. If you're
using a desktop cluster, you can set policies so jobs run only on idle
machines, and thus can be paused or moved transparently when a machine stops being idle.

Condor is incredibly adaptable  almost any usage policy and preference can
be described  and very versatile, making it suitable for many types of
distributed system. It can also interact with remote Grid systems
using a Globus interface, which requires installing only the Condor-G client
interface, not the server as well.

Condor is straightforward to install and deploy, and the online documentation and support available is great.